Nebraska Attorney General Challenges Ruling to Allow Gaming in Carter Lake

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1-30-08 -- Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning today challenged a decision that allows gaming on land in Carter Lake. The land is held in trust by the federal government for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

“Nebraskans have repeatedly said no to casino gambling in our state,” said Bruning. “The Ponca Tribe shouldn’t be able circumvent voters’ wishes.”

Given the unique geographical location of Carter Lake, visitors would have to drive through Nebraska to get to the casino. Even though the casino is technically in Iowa, it will directly affect the people of Nebraska.

The National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) December 31, 2007 ruling reversed the previous findings of the NIGC chairman that no gaming could occur on the property.

Typically, land held in trust by the federal government for a tribe after 1988 isn’t eligible for gaming. However, one of the specific exceptions is restoration of land for an Indian tribe that’s been restored to federal recognition. Federal recognition of the Ponca Tribe was terminated in 1962. Recognition was restored in 1990.

Source: Nebraska Attorney General


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